New Delhi, Mar 15 (TNT): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday evening announced the schedule for bye-elections to eight Assembly constituencies across six states—Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura.
According to the Commission, the bye-polls are being held to fill vacancies caused by the death of sitting legislators in the respective constituencies.
The constituencies going to polls include Ponda in Goa; Umreth in Gujarat; Bagalkot and Davanagere South in Karnataka; Rahuri and Baramati in Maharashtra; Koridang (ST) in Nagaland; and Dharmanagar in Tripura.
The Commission said the Model Code of Conduct has come into force with immediate effect in the districts where the constituencies going to polls are located.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) along with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) will be used in all polling stations for the bye-elections, the Commission said, adding that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.
The Election Commission also reiterated that Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will be the main document for voter identification, though several other approved identity documents will also be accepted at polling stations.
Candidates with criminal antecedents will be required to publish details of their background in newspapers and television channels on three occasions during the campaign period, in line with Supreme Court directions.
The detailed election schedule, including dates for filing nominations, scrutiny, polling and counting of votes, has been issued by the Commission as part of the official notification.
TNT KS
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